Gay PDA

Doctor Who achieved an LGBT milestone in it’s most recent episode, which featured their first ever on-screen lesbian kiss. However, this milestone has not come without it’s critics, as Ofcom have reported numerous complaints from the concerned public.

Some have expressed utter outrage at the 3 second lesbian lip-lock, stating that it was “inappropriate” to show such a scene before the 9pm Watershed.

This sparks a serious debate as to the way in which same-sex embraces are regarded in modern society. Though what we consider to be acceptable PDA (public displays of affection) is very subjective, incidences like this reveal a strong sexuality double-standard.

We are often subjected to images of heterosexual couples, hook-ups and affairs on television, however it appears as though homosexuality has yet to become normalised in British culture.

Same-sex couples can often find themselves accountable and victim to exclusive social laws, that heterosexuals are not. This becomes particularly evident when homosexual couples are accused of “rubbing your sexuality in others faces”.

Other actions that might be considered forceful of a supposed “gay agenda” include the fight for equality and marriage rights, Pride marches, or even simply embracing your partner in a public domain.

In a recent social experiment, two male actors engaged in PDA in a Mississippi restaurant. Another actor is told to openly object to the couples embraces and, unbeknown to the customers, their reactions to the events were filmed:

The experiment revealed that hostilities towards homosexuals aren’t yet all that uncommon. As seen in the video, the act of simply placing your arm around anothers shoulder was enough to distress some customers, as though it was symbolic of a perverted lifestyle.

Gay PDA, and especially lesbian kisses, have become fetishised and made synonymous with porn culture, to the extent to which simply holding hands or cuddling in public domains can be considered extremely controversial.

Though public opinion of homosexuality is definitely improving, that old and socially damaging mentality of “I don’t care if you’re gay, just don’t flaunt it in public” is still prominent.

This teaches people who identify as homosexual to keep their private lives hidden, as it does not fit accordingly into British social ideals – i.e. straight.

Keeping ones homosexual relationships private can often not only feel more convenient, but necessary, as you risk being exposed to homophobic verbal and, even sometimes, physical abuse.

This also helps greater explain the current want and need for gay venues/areas. Rather than it being an example of segregation, it offers a safe refuge for those who might otherwise feel vulnerable to scrutiny from the critical public gaze.

Though gay areas are not exclusive to only homosexuals, there is a different standard for what is deemed “normal behaviours” or “normal relationships”. In these environments, homosexuals are no longer the other, nor are they usually the minority, which can be hugely comforting.

Have you ever experienced homophobia in response to Gay PDA? Are there areas where you feel more comfortable than others? Leave a comment or respond via Faceboook or Twitter.